Drivers still taking risks

January 9, 2008

Updated: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 (08:34)

The van after the impact on Christmas Eve. Pictures: SUPPLIED.

THESE photographs show the aftermath of an accident which was suspected to have been caused by a drink-driver. While Cambridgeshire police saw a slight dip in the number of motorists alleged to have been driving under the influence, 149 people were still

THESE photographs show the aftermath of an accident which was suspected to have been caused by a drink-driver.

While Cambridgeshire police saw a slight dip in the number of motorists alleged to have been driving under the influence, 149 people were still arrested on suspicion of drink-driving over the festive period.

In this instance, the suspect's car ploughed into the back of a parked Leyland DAF van, sending it rolling across the street and into a nearby front garden.

Following the accident at about 8pm on Christmas Eve in New Town Road, Ramsey, a woman in her 30s was arrested and charged with drink driving.

The owner of the van, Matthew Badcock, a gardener, said his van was written off and he was unable to work until a replacement could be hired this week.

Mr Badcock told The Hunts Post: "People go out and spend money on drink but they will not pay a bit extra for a taxi home. Someone could have been killed. As it is, I have missed out on work and you don't get the value of the vehicle [from the insurers]."

Mr Badcock said he saw the accident from his kitchen window. His van was parked outside his home and was shunted across the pavement.

The female driver was due to appear in court this week.

Over the festive period, between December 1 and January 1, police arrested 149 people on suspicion of drink-driving. This was 6.7 per cent of the 2,204 people breathalysed.

In 2006, police arrested 188 people of 2,232 breath tested - also a 6.7 per cent failure rate.

Inspector Matt Johnson said: "It is encouraging to see that the number of people driving under the influence is reducing. However, it is always disappointing to see that there are still a number of people ignoring the law.

"Although the campaign has ended, officers will continue to conduct regular breath checks and field impairment tests to ensure the enforcement continues.

"Those motorists who continue to break the law may think that they are safe to drive but they are mistaken. Each time someone gets behind the wheel and drives under the influence they are risking not only their own lives but also the lives of others.